SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator John G. Mulroe (D-Chicago) to improve public safety and address other issues that passed in the Legislature with broad bipartisan support was signed into law by the governor Friday.

Senate Bill 1343 establishes continuing education standards for probation officers and expands access to training programs, with the goal of better preparing them for the range of issues they encounter on the job.

“These officers have challenging but incredibly important careers helping adults and children find success during their probation and rehabilitation,” Mulroe said.

“The complex situations they deal with, such as addressing the mental health needs of children, and the skills required to do their job are constantly evolving, making continuing education a vital part of their professional development.”

The governor also signed the following Mulroe-sponsored legislation into law:

Senate Bill 1946 – allows insurance companies and salvage dealers to obtain a junk or salvage car title through the secretary of state in certain cases.

Senate Bill 1297 – provides that the Federal Home Loan Bank will not be subject to a stay or prohibited from collecting collateral pledged by an insurance company member who becomes subject to an insolvency proceeding.

Senate Bill 883 – allows children born within 36 months of the death of a parent to inherit from the deceased parent if the mature sex cells of the deceased are preserved and the child was born with the decedent's consent.

House Bill 2499 – allows tollway vehicles weighing 9,000 pounds or more to use red or white oscillating or flashing lights and adds them to the definition of authorized emergency vehicle.

House Bill 2585 – provides that if there is not a newspaper in an area, then public notices required by law may be published in a secular newspaper that has general circulation within the unit of local government or school district.

Mulroe said he appreciates the bipartisan support his legislation earned during a time when it seems like partisanship has overtaken Springfield.

“Working across party lines is the foundation of our democracy,” he said. “I am proud to have sponsored so many bills that received strong support from Republicans and Democrats, as well as the governor’s signature.”

SPRINGFIELD–State Senator John G. Mulroe (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the Senate’s override of the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1:

“Today’s vote was about doing the right thing not only for students heading back to school this fall, but also for the next generation of students that will be educated in our public schools.

“Senate Bill 1 fixes a broken system and implements a fair school funding formula for the first time in decades. I supported this legislation because it will benefit every single school district in the state—there are no losers.

“Senate Bill 1 is the result of four years of hearings and negotiations. Though the governor attempted to drastically change this bill in the eleventh hour and take away resources from certain districts, I’m glad that the Senate was able to override his veto and do what’s right for all students in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1, a landmark school funding reform measure:

“I am disappointed that today the governor chose to make Chicago the only loser by issuing an amendatory veto to Senate Bill 1. Under Senate Bill 1 as it passed the Senate and the House, no school district would have received less funding than it did last year.

“The governor has toured the state claiming that this legislation is a Chicago ‘bailout’ when in actuality Senate Bill 1 gives CPS the same resources that every other school district in the state receives. It is time to put aside the divisive slogans and do what’s best for all students.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that all students have access to a quality education regardless of where they live.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the passage of a balanced budget:

“Today, for the sake of our state, I voted to end the budget impasse and set our state on a path toward fiscal stability. We have worked with Republicans in the Senate for over six months to compromise on budgetary items and reforms. This budget passed the House with both Democratic and Republican support.

“I came to Springfield to fight for the future of our state and to stop the financial nose dive it has been taking. The balanced budget I supported today includes cuts, funds to pay off our backlog of bills and will support key government functions.

“With his signature, the governor can end the impasse and restore funding for schools, universities, social service agencies and road work. It’s time to stop the suffering and do the right thing. I hope that the governor signs these bills as soon as they reach his desk.”